Bill C-47 Receives Royal Assent -- Canada's New Government Passes Legislation to Ensure 2010 Winter Games are a Success for Vancouver and for Athletes

OTTAWA, June 22, 2007 — The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today proudly announced that Bill C-47, the Olympic and Paralympic Marks Act, has received Royal Assent.

"Investments from the private sector are vital to the success of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said Minister Bernier. "This legislation provides appropriate protection for 2010 Winter Games sponsors in recognition of their important contribution to the success of the Games in Vancouver and Whistler."

The Bill prohibits "ambush marketing", in which a company falsely suggests it is endorsed by the Games, and the infringement of Olympic and Paralympic words and symbols specific to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. It also makes it easier to obtain injunctions against these activities pending the outcome of a trial. These measures are time-limited, that is, they will expire after December 31, 2010. At the same time, the Bill provides permanent protection for the best known international Olympic and Paralympic marks, such as the Rings and the Torch, most of which are already protected to some degree under the Trade-marks Act.

The Bill also contains several provisions ensuring that the new protection will be used in a fair manner. It does not affect not-for-profit enterprises that use Olympic and Paralympic marks for non-commercial purposes, nor does it require persons or businesses already using these marks to discontinue doing so. It does not prohibit the use of these marks in artistic works, news reports, for the purposes of criticism and parody, for legitimate business reasons, or by Olympic and Paralympic athletes who wish to market themselves based on their Olympic or Paralympic status.

"The Olympics is a tremendous opportunity for Vancouver and Whistler. This event will allow us to showcase our wonderful country to thousands of visitors and billions of viewers around the world," added the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver–Whistler Olympics. "Along with our many partners, our government is committed to making the 2010 Winter Games a success."

With this Bill, Canada is fulfilling the commitments made to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its bid to host the Games and is aligning itself with the best practices developed in other past and upcoming host countries such as Australia, Greece, Italy, China and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please contact:

Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502